Help me build a rok solid fly set up.

[HilltopHitman]

Everyone,
Seeing lots of fly-fishing threads related to which pole, reel, etc. I read through them all and I'll start with saying I have no fly-fishing experience. The goal of this thread is to help others and myself put together the best beginner/Intermediate budget friendly fly fishing set up for Trout on the creeks and rivers.

Recently re-located from Northern Idaho to SE Idaho near the snake.

Reading from other threads I picked up a TFO NXT Black from Sierra for $79.90. 9' length in 5W.

TFO NXT BLACK

Now ive done a little research on reels. Liquid Lamson, Sage Spectrum, Orvis Clearwater, TFO is what I narrowed it down to.

Need advice and links to good deals for..

1. Reel

2.Backer and Line (Size)

3.Tippet (Size)

4. Fly's for South Fork Snake you'd recommend. And a tip for methods (Nymph or Dry flies?)

5. Any good pack or chest rig that would be great to start with.

I'm essentially asking the group to put together a Tikka 6CM in a Rokstok.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

You'll get a million different answers to this and they could all be right. Good start with the 9t 5wt rod now just match really any 5wt reel to it. A good fly shop will help with the backing, fly line, tippet, flies, etc.

There is a guide that works on the San Juan River in New Mexico who has a video of himself catching a 20 pound brown trout on a cheapo Wal-Mart rod/reel combo. In the video there are other fly fisherman around him that probably have thousands of dollars worth of gear. It's a good reminder that it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. I used an old camera case for my first chest pack and bought used rods and reels off of eBay and craigslist 20 years ago that I still use today.

 

[BLJ]

1) Piscifun. I’ve had good luck with these.

2)20# backing and 5# line. I prefer floating. Sierra has good deals on this.

3) Match it to the fly you’re using and what your fishing for.

4) Can’t help with that one.

5) https://mountainsmith.com/collections/the-outpost/products/2023-day?variant=43447226368233
I’d try this with the shoulder straps. Plenty of room for fishing stuff and water.
And if you don’t end up liking fly fishing you have something that’s still useful to you.
Not a pack with trout on it.

How you present your chosen fly and where is going to be difficult/important thing. IMO.

 

[Ferrulewax]

My opinions:

1) Lamson Liquid

2) 20lb backing in whatever color you like, from your local fly shop

For line, I really think the amplitude (smooth) lines from SA are worth it. The impregnated line lasts significantly longer than a standard line. But if you want to save some money, SA mastery is a a great line too. On that rod I would probably suggest the trout taper, but the infinity would normally be my recommendation. The NXT I have fished in the past was a little on the softer side, so I think it would benefit from a true to line weight flyline like the trout.

2) For tippet, I would grab 2-5x of whatever brand. Just start with mono.

4) Ask the local fly shop at a couple different locations and you will quickly have a solid selection

5) use what you have for the time being. Flyfishing packs are on the expensive side. If you have a fanny pack, waist pack, whatever that will work- I would just use that until you find what you like and don’t like about it.

 

[eamyrick]

1. Reel
Anything size appropriate will work for trout but I’m a big fan of the older Ross C2 (Cimmarons). I find them on eBay. Another bombproof for life reel is a Galvan Rush. I have them on all of my saltwater setups.

2.Backer and Line (Size)
Any line will work. It really doesn’t matter that much unless that rod is stiff and then you should get an overweighted line. With that said, one of the biggest mistakes new fly fisherman make is getting a new age stiff rod where they can’t feel the rod flex. It builds bad casting habits. A stiffer rod is much harder for a new fisherman to deliver short-medium dry fly casts.

3.Tippet (Size)
4x for everything dry fly and nymph. I’ve read multiple articles in the last few years about fluro tippet for everything dry fly as the surface tension prevents tippet from sinking and has much better break strength. This is all I use now. Mono leader and fluro tippet. A roll of 4x, 3x, and 2x will cover dry flies and streamers.

4. Fly's for South Fork Snake you'd recommend. And a tip for methods (Nymph or Dry flies?)

If fish are eating on top I’ve never met a fish that wouldn’t eat a purple haze.

5. Any good pack or chest rig that would be great to start with.

I use a Patagonia guide waterproof backpack for everything. I throw a little puck of flies and tippet in my shirt pocket or waders. Nothing sucks as bad as all your gear soaked from a fall into the water.

Lastly-most fly fisherman suck at fishing. I’ve fished alot of spots and I’d say 80% struggle with casting despite having 1000s of dollars in gear. Get a casting lesson or two from your local fly shop and get out there and have a good time.